A Note on the Use of the Guidelines
CBR practices have shown vast and diversified features in countries due to the differences in socio-economic development, culture, social customs, political structure and the rehabilitation needs of disabilities, etc. There is no single best way to do CBR, and no single evaluation system for CBR. So it is impossible to make an evaluation guidelines for all CBR programmes in the world. These guidelines are not meant to be adopted without change for each and every particular CBR project. However, it should offer the basic trend of thought, and general framework for the evaluation of CBR.
General speaking, there are two types of evaluation of CBR. The first type of evaluation is used for a particular CBR project, for example, CBR project for children with disabilities, CBR project for mentally retardation, social mobilization, etc. In this type of evaluation, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, sustainability and impact are considered as the core factors, The second type is used for administrative concerns where CBR as a regional plan is being conducted, for example, country, province, or a city. A country is carrying out CBR development plan in its jurisdictional area, thus it needs to evaluate all CBR programs in the territories concerned. Only in this way can we know how the whole CBR plan is being implemented. Although these Guidelines are drawn up for a CBR project, the principles, contents, methods can be put to use for CBR plan in a district or a region.
CBR was formulated in an attempt to meet the massive rehabilitation needs of disabilities in the world, and it develops side by side with the development of services delivery. Since 1976, there has been a wide variety of research projects on the evaluation of CBR through out the world, each one adapted to the local implementation of CBR. By continuously reviewing the evaluation of CBR, the Guidelines could become more systematic, relevant and practical.
It is inevitable that the Guidelines presented here would contain limitations. The researchers would appreciate critical comments from specialists, researchers, CBR workers, colleagues and people with disabilities.
Evaluating Community Based Rehabilitation :
Guidelines for Accountable Practice
By Dr. Tizun Zhao, Joseph K.F. Kwok Ph.D, J.P.